God was using the analogy of a measuring tool to show just how far the Israelite nation had fallen into sin. The Lord’s perfect standard showed glaringly how deeply they had backslidden…It was now a time of judgment. God uses His plumb line today to show us when we’re “off center”…it might be the Holy Spirit whispering with that still small voice, or it may be His Word, when we read the Bible, that speaks to us about a certain area of our life that needs to change. He may even send another Christian into our life to exhort us with truth of just how far we have wandered away from Him. The Lord’s plumb line is straight and true, and He desires that our life to be the same.
Luke 9: 1-2 ” When Jesus had called them together, He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”
The Lord gathered the disciples together, laying out a game plan of what He wanted them to accomplish. He sent them out as ambassadors to proclaim the Gospel to others…But Jesus specifically gave them power to cast out demons and heal the sick. When God commissions you to go out into the world on His behalf, it will be with specific goals He wants you to attain, but He will never send you out without first endowing you with the power, physical capacity, and authority to carry it out. Each of His callings are unique, although there is one overlying mission for all…that is to proclaim the Good News where ever you go.
Psalm 91:1 ” He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Moses had asked the Lord to show him His glory, and God had agreed, but told him,” When My glory comes, I will place you a cleft of the rock, and cover you with My hand until I pass by.” In that shadow of His hand we are protected and sheltered from adversity and the onslaught of the enemy. In that safe spot, we rest in peace and tranquility, knowing our Heavenly Father’s loving hand is safeguarding us, and keeping us from harm.
I Peter 1: 8-9 ” Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
The literal definition of faith is believing, having not yet seen. We step out in trust even though we can’t see around that corner in our life. We move confidently ahead, knowing that the Lord is always there…right beside us, guiding, prompting, and always encouraging us. And so it is with gladness of heart that can not be expressed by mere words, that we look forward to the finish line, to the thing we cherish most…eternal life with our Heavenly Father.
Judges 6:14 ” The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of the Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?’ “
The Lord had come to Gideon and addressed him as a mighty warrior…which Gideon disputed and started to reject, when God stopped him by saying…”Go in the might you have at this very moment…you need nothing more…in your weakness I will make you strong.” The Lord’s encouragement released vision in Gideon, who in turn encouraged his fellow Israelites, and a fresh vision was released in the entire nation, and subsequently they were able to defeat the Midians. You never know when a word of encouragement will release vision in someone’s life…when a kind word will suddenly allow a person to see themselves through their Savior’s eyes. Release vision in someone’s life today by speaking encouragement into them.
Proverbs 11:24-25 ” One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
When it comes to giving, God tests the heart and is pleased with integrity. The Lord wants our giving to be done with the right motive… He desires us to give out of a heart of mercy, not for what we can gain from it. Those
Luke 17: 20-21 ” Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The Kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, Here it is, or There it is, because the Kingdom of God is within you.’ “
Jesus let the Religious Leaders know that despite how closely or attentively they were watching for the Kingdom to appear…it would not come in the way they were hoping or anticipating. They wanted God’s Kingdom to arrive with shock and awe, and overwhelming power and force. But instead, Jesus told them not to look here or there for it, but rather…to look in their hearts.
Isaiah 29:24 Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction.”
The Lord reminds us daily, “This is the way – Walk in it.” But at the same time the world is pulling and enticing us to wander and stray off the path. Our human nature is easily distracted by the shininess of worldly things, and it takes real prudence and insight to keep our eyes focused on the right way. As our Christian Walk evolves over the years, we gain understanding, wisdom, and success when we are open to instruction from the Lord. If we accept His teaching, we will not stumble.
Romans 1:20 ” For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
This time of the year has to be my most favorite…the trees are leafing out, the brown grass is finally green, and the newborn foals are running and kicking in the pasture. After a long and bitterly cold Idaho Winter, I welcome Spring with open arms. And as I drive to work each morning I thank the Lord for all the beauty I see around me. Beauty that could only be created by Him for us to enjoy…So it baffles me how someone could look at all the vast awesomeness around us and not believe in the power of God, or comprehend His unending Divinity. The Psalmist also saw it when he wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Go outside today and see it for yourself.
Proverbs 15:1 ” A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
I work with sick people everyday, and you know that when you’re ill you can be rather…grumpy. I have also found that if I respond to an angry patient in a quiet, subdued tone, most times I can reverse the negative emotions and defuse the situation. Unfortunately, when we take offense at the painful words being spit at us, tempers flare, and things get out of hand fast. A gentle reply has more power than you can imagine…elsewhere in Proverbs it says, “A gentle tongue can break a bone.” Mighty and potent can be the eloquent, thoughtful, and persuasive response.
Safetypinlove 